As we all know UTEP has been interviewing this week and last week, I would only hope the in coming coach can keep some of the talent we have here.
Gilyard- this kid is gold and I hope coach does all he can to keep him here. The kid needed to get out of Chicago and staying here would help him grow.
McGee- he is not as dynamic as Gilyard, but is a solid PG. He should stay knowing home is an hour flight or a 7hr drive.
Osborne- He is here to stay. He can't afford to sit another year for another team.
Highler- Kid has McGee shooting. He reminds me of Omega. I hope he stays.
Touchet- He's going no where. I like him as a coach more than a player.
Wade- If any kid leaves it would be this one. I know this is year 2 for him and I hope he got comfy. He is being forced to play in the paint a lot and he is more of a wing. If the new coach stands a chance in keeping him, it is to play him where he can be at his best.
Thomas- I see lower percentage in him leaving. El Paso has been good to him and his family. Plus, we need him.
Smith- I'm scratching my head on this one. He had a good relationship with Floyd that I saw 1st hand. He can be a special player because of his size and shooting ability. He just needs to grow (in his head).
Royster- I see him on campus & saw him walking into Specs one weekend with a buddy. I have no idea what his skill level is.
Rhyanes- He moves like a tall man (slow) and has no meat on his bones. If he stays it will be as a walk on.
Ochieng & Martinez look to still be on as LOI's and not backed out. I am not sold on their abilities, but we will see what the new coach thinks.
Anyway, if all stay (which I doubt) then we will need 1 more big man and a few SF's/SG's. We really do have some talent, but it is incomplete.
If all come back, our starters will be.
Smith (5)
Thomas (4)
Wade (3)
Osborne (2)
Gilyard (1)
That really is good talent with Highler & McGee as talented back ups. We need a few JUCO players to bring it home.